PULLMAN, Wash. —

Less than 24 hours after Van Meter lost the state soccer championship, Adlai Lounsbury headed out west to join Washington State University as a backup kicker and punter.

It's an adventure that almost didn't happen because Lounsbury always thought he'd end up a little closer to home.

Lounsbury said, "I didn't wanna go anywhere further than five hours."

Well, Pullman, Washington, is a bit further than five hours from Van Meter, Iowa.

Initially committed to South Dakota State University, Lounsbury seized the opportunity to join Washington State when the head coach moved there, bringing 13 recruits along.

"So I kinda jumped at the opportunity," he said.

Now a true freshman, Lounsbury is listed as Washington State's backup kicker and punter.

Reflecting on his journey, h

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